International standard on net zero

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Work is underway to develop the first international standard on net zero. It will provide clarity on the net zero transition, and robust requirements, and ultimately enable independently verified and comprehensive climate action and accelerate progress towards a sustainable world.

The creation of the standard

It is expected to launch next year at COP30 in November 2025 and is being designed to provide a global solution to guide organisations as they embark on their net zero transition.

Thousands of experts are expected to collaborate through national standards bodies across more than 170 countries, considering the latest climate science. A public consultation is scheduled to open later in 2025 to support global input and ensure all voices are heard.

The standard is an evolution of the ISO Net Zero Guidelines, launched at COP27, into an independently verifiable international standard. The purpose of the Guidelines was to facilitate organisations to create comprehensive net zero strategies by providing them with credible best practices.

The standard will give the public greater confidence and guard against greenwashing by setting out robust guidance and requirements offering the potential to verify the credibility of claims.